License plate frame assembly

ABSTRACT

A license plate frame assembly is disclosed as consisting of a one-piece frame member which may be fabricated of a molded plastic material, a die stamped metal or the like; the frame is of a generally rectangular configuration and has a frontal wall that provides a decorative face which may be provided with a hot stamped complementary decorated surface. The frame member also includes rearwardly projecting inner and outer enclosure walls and is adapted to be connected to the associated license plate by having the upper edge of the license plate received within a recess formed along the rearward side of the upper section of the frame member. The recess may be formed by integral rearwardly extending ribs or alternatively by means of a resilient clip secured to the frame. The lower edge of the license plate is also adapted to be secured within a recess located along the bottom section of the frame member, which recess is provided by a removable clip or by integral ribs. In those instances where a clip is used, the clip is retained in place by means of a single fastening element which extends upwardly from the underside of the frame so as to be concealed from view.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.718,941, filed Aug. 30, 1976 entitled "License Plate Frame Assembly",now U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,770, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 683,421, filed May 5, 1976, entitled "License PlateFrame Assembly", now abandoned.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to means for protecting and improvingthe appearance of vehicle license plates and the like, and moreparticularly, to a new and improved license plate frame assembly whichis adapted to be secured directly to the license plate and serve thetwo-fold purpose of enhancing the appearance thereof and protecting theplate from damage.

It is accordingly a generaly object of the present invention to providea new and improved license plate frame assembly for automotive licenseplates and the like.

It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a newand improved license plate frame assembly that is attractive inappearance and which may be positively secured to the associated licenseplate in a manner so as to assure against inadvertent disassembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved license plate frame assembly which includes attachment meansthat is operable to permit assembly of the frame member of the licenseplate even after the license plate has been secured to the associatedvehicle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved license plate frame assembly wherein the frame member may beprovided with a decorative frontal face in order to enhance orcomplement the decor of the associated vehicle.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved license plate frame assembly, as above described, which may befabricated of a one-piece molded polymeric material or may be fabricatedof a die-cast metal or the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved license plate frame assembly which is of a relatively simpledesign, is economical to manufacture and will have a long and effectiveoperational life.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a newand improved license plate frame assembly, as above described, whichmay, for certain applications, be fixedly secured to the associatedlicense plate without requiring any ancillary fastening clips or thelike, or alternatively, may be operatively associated with such clipsfor use in installing the frame assembly.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one preferred embodiment of thelicense plate frame assembly of the present invention, as shown inoperative association with a typical automotive vehicle license plate;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view, partiallybroken away, of the rearward side of the frame member incorporated inthe frame assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view takensubstantially along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view takensubstantially along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thelicense plate frame assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the frame assemblyshown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of the portion ofthe frame assembly shown within the circle 7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view, similar to FIG.7, of a slightly modified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of a retaining clip incorporatedin the license plate frame assembly shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view similar to FIGS.3 and 4 and depicts another alternate embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the rearward side ofanother alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an elevated perspective view of the portion of the frameassembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 13--13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 14--14 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a portion of the embodimentsubstantially shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 16--16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front elevtional view of a vehicle license plate mountingbracket;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the rearward side of anotheralternative embodiment of a license plate frame in accordance with thepresent invention particularly adapted for use with the bracket of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of the frame of FIG. 18 shownin assembled relationship to the bracket of FIG. 17 and a conventionallicense plate; the section being taken along line 19--19 of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 20 is a transverse sectional view of the frame of FIG. 18 shown inassembled relationship to the bracket of FIG. 17 and a conventionallicense plate, the section being taken along the line 20--20 of FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in detail to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-4thereof, a license plate frame assembly 10, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown in operativeassociation with a conventional license plate 12. The plate 12 issecured by means of suitable screws, bolts or the like 14, which projectthrough conventional slots 16, to a suitable vehicle body panel orsupport member 17 in a manner well known in the art. Suitableelastomeric bumpers or the like (not shown) may be provided between therearward side of the plate 2 and the body panel 17 for reducing relativevibrational movement of the plate 12.

The assembly 10 comprises a frame structure 18 which extends around themarginal edge of the license plate 12 and encloses its outer periphery.Toward this end, the frame structure 18 comprises laterally spaced sidesections 20 and 22, a top section 24 and a lower or bottom section 26,all of which sections 20-26 are of uniform outward appearance and ofuniform cross sectional shape, with the exception of the means forretaining the license plate 12 within the frame structure 18, as willhereinafter be described. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sections20-26 of the frame assembly 10 comprise a frontal wall 28 which definesa forwardly projecting decorative face 30. The frontal wall 28 isintegrally connected to a rearwardly projecting outer enclosure wall 32and a rearwardly projecting inner wall 34. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, theinner wall 34 is inclined inwardly and the marginal inner edge thereofis arranged so as to terminate directly forwardly of the forward face ofthe license plate 12. The sections 20-26 are preferably fabricated of asuitable molded polymeric material, such as A.B.S. plastic, ahigh-impact polystyrene, or the like, whereby the frame structure 18 maybe fabricated of a one-piece utilized or molded construction. It will beappreciated, of course, that the frame structure 18 may be fabricated ofvarious other materials and may, for example, consist of a metallic diestamping or the like without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

As best seen in FIGS. 2-4, the rearward sides of the top and bottomsections 24, 26 are provided with a plurality of laterally spaced ribs36 which project between the outer and inner enclosure walls 32 and 34at the central portions of the sections 24, 26. The plurality of ribs 36are formed integrally of the frame structure 18 and are connected alongtheir rearwardmost portions by intermediate parts 38. The ribs 36 definerearwardly facing openings 40 (see FIG. 2) and define confrontingrecesses 42 at the top section 24 and bottom section 26. In particular,the recess 42 defined by the ribs 36 on the top section 24 is open alongthe lower edge thereof, while the recess 42 defined by the ribs 36 onthe bottom section 26 is open along the upper side thereof. Thethickness or width of the recesses 42 is approximately equal to thelateral thickness of the upper and lower edges of the license plate 12(including the peripheral bead or ridge which is normally provided onsuch license plate 12 in order to enhance the appearance and rigiditythereof), with the result that the upper and lower edges of the licenseplate 12 are adapted to be nestingly received within the recesses 42 forfixedly retaining the license plate frame assembly 10 thereto.

In order to effect assembly of the frame structure 18 onto the licenseplate 12, the plate 12 and structure 18 are aligned with one another inend-to-end relationship and are then moved longitudinally of one anothersuch that one end of the license plate 12 moves into the recesses 42along the frame sections 24 and 26. Such relative longitudinal movementof the frame structure 18 and license plate 12 is continued until thelicense plate 12 moves into registry with the frame structure 18, i.e.,is centered between the side sections 20, 22, at which time the upperand lower edges of the plate 12 are confined within the recesses 42. Theplate 12 may be thereafter secured via the aforementioned screws, boltsor the like 14 to the associated body panel 17, whereby to fixedlyattach the assembly 10 and plate 12 in their respective operativepositions upon the associated vehicle.

In accordance with the present invention, it is to be noted that theframe structure 18, and in particular, the decorative face 30 thereof,is formed with a pair of spaced parallel recesses 46, 48 which define arelieved central area 50 therebetween. The area 50 may be provided withany suitable matching or contrasting decorative material, for example,may be formed by a suitable hot stamping operation with a leather-likeor woodgrain texture, whereby to enhance the aesthetic appearance of thelicense plate frame assembly 10 of the present invention. Alternatively,the frontal wall 28 may be provided with a relatively planar or flatsurface, such as is indicated at 52 in the slightly modified embodimentof the frame structure 18 shown in FIG. 10. Of course, variousalternative designs may be utilized without departing from the scope orfair meaning of the present invention.

Referring now to another embodiment of the present invention, and inparticular to FIGS. 5-7, a license plate frame assembly 60 is shown inoperative association with a vehicle license plate 62 which is adaptedto be secured to a suitable automotive vehicle body panel by screws,bolts or the like 64. The license plate frame assembly 60 comprises aframe structure having spaced parallel side sections 66, a top section68 and a bottom section 70, all of which are integrally connected, aswas the case with the aforedescribed frame structure 18. The sections66-70 are provided with a common frontal wall 72 defining a front orforward decorative face 74. The sections 66-70 also comprise arearwardly extending outer enclosure wall 76 which is arranged atgenerally right angles to the frontal wall 72, and with a rearwardly andinwardly inclined inner enclosure wall 78.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the upper section 68 of the frame assembly isformed with a downwardly extending flange 80 which is arranged generallyparallel to the frontal wall 72 and defines a recess 82 with therearwardmost edge of the inner enclosure wall 78 that is adapted tonestingly receive the upper edge of the license plate 62. The bottomsection 70 of the frame assembly 60 is formed with another flange,generally designated 84, which extends rearwardly of the frontal wall 72and is arranged generally parallel to the outer enclosure wall 76 of thebottom section 70, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. The flange 84 definesa recess 86 with the adjacent outer wall 76 which is adapted tonestingly receive one leg section 88 of a generally L-shaped retainingclip 90 in the manner best seen in FIG. 7. The clip 90 includes anotherupwardly and forwardly inclined leg 92 which is adapted to bear againstthe rearward side of the associated license plate 62 upon assembly ofthe frame 60 thereto in a manner hereinafter to be described. The outerenclosure wall portion 76 of the frame assembly 60 is formed with a boreor opening 94 which is aligned with another bore 96 formed in the legsection 88 of the clip 90. The bores 94, 96 are aligned with anotherbore 98 which is formed in the flange section 84, whereby a suitablescrew, bolt or the like 100 may be threadably received within thealigned bores 94-98 for fixedly retaining the clip 90 and hence thelicense plate 92 within the frame assembly 60. The screw 100 may be ofthe self-tapping type or instead, one or more of the bores 94-98 may beinternally threaded and adapted for threaded reception of the screw 100.

In order to effect installation of the frame assembly 60, the upper edgeof the license plate 62 is initially inserted into the recess 82 andthereafter the frame assembly 60 may be pivoted from the position shownin FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6 whereupon the license plate 62and frame assembly 60 are oriented generally coplanar of one another.Thereafter, the leg 80 of the clip 92 may be inserted into the recess 86to a position wherein the bore 96 thereof is aligned with the bores 94and 98 and the leg 92 resiliently engages the rearward side of the plate62 and biases the same into engagement with the rearwardmost portion ofthe inner enclosure wall 78. Thereafter, the screw 100 may be threadablyreceived within the bores 94-98 to retain the frame assembly 60 to theplate 62. One particular advantage of the aforedescribed type ofassembly resides in the fact that the frame assembly 60 may beconveniently installed on the license plate 62 after the plate 62 ismounted upon the associated vehicle and without necessitating removal ofthe plate 62. Additionally, because the screw 100 is located at theunderside of the assembly 60, the outward appearance of the assembly 60is in no way affected thereby.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a slightly modified embodiment wherein the topsection 68 of the frame assembly 60, instead of being formed with theaforedescribed downwardly extending flange 80, is formed with arearwardly extending flange 102 which is arranged generally parallel tothe outer enclosure wall 76 and defines a recess 104 therewith. Therecess 104 is adapted to nestingly receive one leg section 106 of agenerally L-shaped retaining clip 108, the other leg 110 of which isadapted to bear against the rearward side of the associated licenseplate in much the same manner as the aforedescribed clip 90. The clip108 is adapted to be secured within the recess 104 by means of asuitable stamped ear or tang portion 112 having a relatively sharpinclined point thereon such that once the leg section 106 thereof isinstalled or inserted into the recess 104, the clip 108 will be fixedlysecured to the associated frame assembly. The leg section 110 of theclip 108 is adapted to function in essentially the same manner as theaformentioned flange 80 and may be installed onto the frame assemblyprior to installation of the frame assembly onto the associated licenseplate. In other words, once the clip 108 is installed in the recess 104,the upper edge of the associated license plate may be inserted into therecess defined between the downwardly extending leg 110 and the innerenclosure wall 78, as seen in FIG. 8. Thereafter, the lower edge of thelicense plate may be secured to the associated frame assembly, such asby the aforementioned retaining clip 90. It is to be noted that with thearrangement shown in FIGS. 5-9, there is no fastening means exposed(other than the screw 100) whereby to detract from the appearance of theframe assembly. Additionally, the frontal wall 72 may be provided withany suitable decoration or may be colored in any contrastingcomplementary manner with regard to the remaining portions of the frameassembly 60, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 11 through 16 illustrate yet another modified embodimentcomprising a one-piece, rectangular frame member 118 having a pluralityof integral, inwardly extending tabs 120, 121 and 122, running generallyperpendicular to outer enclosure wall 125. As exhibited in FIGS. 12, 13and 14, tabs 120, 121 and 122 cooperate with frontal wall 124 so as todefine a plurality of license plate edge receiving slots 126, whichslots 126 provide positive means for receiving the periphery of theplate so as to positively retain the frame 118 thereon, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. Thus the tabs 120, 121 and 122 are functionally similarto flange 80 shown in FIG. 6, in preventing the frame 118 fromseparating from license plate 116 in a direction normal to the planedefined by license plate 116. Additionally, tabs 122 tend to restrictthe transverse movement of frame 118 with respect to license plate 116.

Tabs 120 are spaced apart a distance labeled "A" in FIG. 11, whichdistance cooresponds to the spacing of the lower license plate mountingopenings and are provided with locating bores 128, which bores adapttabs 120 to accept the passage of the license plate mounting fasteners130, as shown in FIG. 14. Thus, tabs 120 assure the positive attachmentof frame 118 to the body of the vehicle, a portion of which is shown as134 in FIG. 14, thereby reducing the potential for both unacceptablevibration and inadvertent detachment of frame 118. Also, since theinsertion of fasteners 130 through both the locating bores 128 and thelicense plate mounting holes will effectively immobilize license plate116 with respect to frame 118, the retention of license plate 116 withinframe 118 is enhanced. This feature may be especially desirable foroff-road or other heavy-duty operation. Additionally, the tabs 120simplify the centering of license plate 116 in frame 118, as properalignment between the plate and frame is achieved when locating bores128 register with the mounting holes provided in license plate 116.Although tabs 120 are illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 15 as being associatedwith the lower side of frame 118, said tabs may be located on the upperside of frame 118 if the particular application so requires. Theorientation of tabs 120 with respect to the remainder of frame 118 isshown more particularly by FIG. 15, which depicts the exposed portionsof the frame. Tabs 120, 121 and 122 may have a simple planar,rectangular shape as illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 16, oralternatively, a more complex configuration, as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art.

A comparison of FIGS. 13, 14 and 16 will reveal that the cross sectionaldispositions of frontal wall 124 and inner enclosure wall 127 arealtered in those areas which correspond to tabs 120, 121 and 122 suchthat the spaces between frontal wall 124, inner enclosure wall 127,outer enclosure wall 125 and tabs 120, 121 and 122 are defined by twosubstantially parallel faces 129 and 131 and opposing face 133, as shownin FIGS. 13 and 14. These altered cross sections provide additionalstrength and more positive license plate retention, as the bead orsemi-cylindrical raised surface formed around the periphery of thelicense plate may bear on flat surfaces 129, as shown in FIGS. 13 and14.

Insertion of license plate 116 into frame 118 may be accomplished bymanually displacing tab 121, or either of tabs 122 or both of tabs 120,such that license plate 116 may be slidingly engaged with frame 118, atwhich time the previously displaced tab(s) may be restored to theiroriginal position. A preferred manner of assembly would be to manuallydisplace tab 121 as described such that license plate 116 can beslidingly engaged with tabs 120 and tabs 122.

If frame 118 and its associated tabs are constructed of a material whichwill not readily tolerate repeated plastic deformation without failuredue to attendant work hardening, such as die cast zinc, the deletion oftabs 122 on the vertical sides of frame 118 will permit the installationof license plate 116 within frame 118 without the necessity of anydisplacement of the remaining tabs. In some applications, the additionallicense plate retention force afforded by tabs 122 may not be required,and if so, said tabs may be omitted, whether or not the work-hardeningcharacteristics of the frame's material would otherwise indicate suchomission.

Although tabs 120, 121 and 122 need not provide elastic deformationinduced clamping force on license plate 116 in order to properly retainthe license plate, this feature may be included.

In some vehicles, the design of the license plate support bracket issuch as to prevent the use of a frame assembly having tab portions onthe vertical members such as the type illustrated in FIG. 11. Such asupport bracket is illustrated in FIG. 17 and indicated generally at136. Support bracket 136 is generally rectangular in shape and hasvertically extending edge portions 138 and 140 rolled outwardly so as toform opposed recesses 142 and 144 which are adapted to receive thelateral edges of a license plate. A pair of spaced recessed portions 146and 148 are provided along the lower edge 150 thereof each of which isprovided with a conventional threaded insert 152 adapted to receive afastener for securing the license plate in operative relationshipthereto. A pair of spaced recessed portions 154 and 155 are alsoprovided approximately centrally located between the upper and loweredges 156 and 150 respectively of bracket 136 and are each provided withan opening 158 therein for receiving bolts 159 to secure the supportbracket to a portion of the motor vehicle. While license plate securingmeans are illustrated on support bracket 136 at the lower edge thereof,it should be noted that they may also be provided at appropriatelocations along edge 158 in place or in addition thereto.

In order to accommodate rolled edges 138 and 140 of support bracket 136,a modified frame assembly in accordance with the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 18 indicated generally at 166. Frame 166 is verysimilar to frame 118 of FIG. 11 having upper and lower horizontallyextending portions 168 and 170 which are interconnected at their ends byvertically extending portions 172 and 174 all of which are of a crosssectional shape substantially identical to the corresponding portions offrame 118 with tab portions 122 removed. Thus, vertical extendingmembers will be of a generally L-shaped cross section having an outerenclosure wall 176, a frontal wall portion 178 defining an inwardly andrearwardly beveled portion 180 which is adapted to receive and concealrolled edges 138 and 140.

Upper horizontal portion 168 is provided with a centrally locatedrearwardly disposed depending flange portion 182 which in cooperationwith surface 208 of a frontal wall portion 210 defines a recess 212adapted to receive an edge portion 214 of license plate 192.

Lower horizontal portion 170 is provided with an elongated inwardlyprojecting rearwardly disposed flange element 194 which is provided witha pair of spaced openings 196 and 198 therein which openings arepositioned so as to align with openings provided in license plate 192.As seen in FIG. 20, flange element 194 in combination with surface 200of frontal wall portion 202 defines a recess 204 adapted to receive bothedge 206 of license plate 192 and edge portion 150 of support bracket136. Similary, flange element 182 in combination with surface 208 offrontal wall portion 210 defines a recess 212 adapted to receive edge214 of license plate 192 along with edge 156 of bracket 136. Ribs 216may be provided along flange element 182 in order to insure properengagement of frame 166 with both bracket 136 and license plate 192.Alternatively, flange element 182 may be fabricated with a slightlygreater thickness should this be desired.

Thus, in order to install frame 166 in operative relationship withsupport bracket 136 and license plate 192, license plate 192 is firstpositioned on support bracket 136 by sliding edge portions 218 and 220into recesses 142 and 144. Fasteners 222 may then be partially installedso as to retain license plate 192 in position on support bracket 136.Thereafter frame 166 may be installed by slipping flange element 194behind support bracket 136 and thereafter deforming depending flangeportion 182 over upper edge portion 214 of license plate 192 and edge156 of bracket 136. Thereafter, fasteners 222 may be tightened and willextend through openings 196 and 198 in flange element 194 so as to aidin retaining frame 166 in installed relationship thereto. A suitable nutmay then be installed on the exposed end 224 of fasteners 222 so as tosecure frame 166 thereto or alternatively, openings 196 and 198 may besuitably threaded so as to threadedly engage fasteners 222. It shouldalso be noted that if support bracket 136 is secured to the vehiclealong the lower edge thereof and/or adapted to receive license platefasteners along the upper edge thereof, frame 166 may easily be invertedand installed in like manner as described above. Also, if desired, frame166 may be installed by deforming portion 194 over license plate 192 andbracket 136 after slipping flange 182 into position if desired. Also,while flange portions 182 and 194 need not provide elastic deformationinduced clamping force on license plate 116 or bracket 136, this featuremay be included if desired. In some cases it may be necessary toassemble frame 166 with one or both of flange elements 182 and 194disposed between license plate 192 and bracket 136 due to lack ofclearance between edges 146 and/or 156.

Each of the embodiments are adapted to accept any of the previouslymentioned cosmetic treatments which may be applied to the frontal wallsthereof, including but not limited to hot stamping with colors, awoodgrain effect, etc.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of theinvention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects abovestated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible tomodification, variation and change without departing from the properscope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

I claim:
 1. In combination a one-piece molded plastic license plateframe adapted for cooperation with a license plate having a widthdimension of approximately twice its height dimension and having a pairof spaced apart fastener receiving openings formed adjacent onehorizontally extending edge thereof, and a support bracket,said supportbracket being of a generally rectangular shape and having spacedvertically extending rolled edges defining recesses for receivingvertical extending edge portions of said plate, openings adapted to bealigned with said openings formed in said plate, and means for securingsaid support bracket to a portion of a motor vehicle, said frame beingof a generally rectangular shape and comprising upper and lowerhorizontally extending sections and vertically disposed end sectionsextending between and integrally connected to the opposite ends of saidhorizontal sections, each of said frame sections comprising an outerenclosure wall portion arranged at substantially right angles to theplane of said license plate, and an integral frontal wall portion thatextends substantially parallel to the plane of the license plate andinwardly from the forwardmost part of the associated outer enclosurewall portion, said outer enclosure wall portions and said frontal wallportions of said vertical end sections cooperating to conceal saidrolled edge portions of said support bracket; said frontal wall portionsproviding an unobstructed rectangular opening having linear side edgesthrough which the forward face of the license plate may be viewed, saidfrontal wall portions overlying the outer marginal edge portions of theforward face of said license plate and defining inwardly and rearwardlybeveled face portions adjacent said opening and a decorative face area,said decorative face areas including a pair of spaced parallel forwardlyprojecting ribs between which is located an intermediate recessedsurface area provided with an appearance enhancing treatment, said ribsprotecting said intermediate area from the deleterious effects of carwashing brushes, flying objects, such as stones, and the like, aplurality of plate retaining flange elements formed integrally ofselective of said sections and including a first flange element on theupper most of said horizontally extending sections and a second flangeelement on the lowermost of said horizontally extending sections, saidflange elements defining plate edge receiving recesses with said outerand frontal wall portion of the associated frame sections and beinglocated on the rearward side of said license plate and thus beingtotally concealed from the forward side of said frame by said plate whenthe same is assembled into said frame, said frame being fabricated of arigid yet deflectable material, such as ABS plastic, whereby assembly ofsaid license plate into said frame may be achieved by inserting the sideedges of said plate into the recesses defined by said rolled lateraledges of said support bracket and thereafter inserting one edge of saidplate into of said plate edge receiving recesses, and biasing thehorizontal section of said frame associated with the opposite horizontaledge of the plate outwardly to permit said opposite horizontal edge ofsaid plate to be inserted within another of said plate edge receivingrecesses, and when said force on said biased horizontal frame section isrelieved, said section will move under the influence of the naturalelasticity of the plastic material toward its normal position retainingsaid opposite horizontal plate edge within the associated of said slots,one of said recesses also receiving a horizontal edge of said supportbracket.
 2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plateedge receiving recess defined in part by said first flange elementreceives a horizontal edge portion of said bracket and of said licenseplate.
 3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plateedge receiving recess defined in part by said second flange elementreceives a horizontal edge portion of said bracket and of said licenseplate.
 4. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of saidfirst and second flange elements includes at least one openingpositioned so as to be alignable with one of said fastener receivingopenings in said license plate.